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TAKE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF HOUSING SUPPLY

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has launched a Call for Evidence to help inform a new Strategy to increase the supply of housing across all tenures. The supply of housing across all tenures needs to increase to meet the demands of our changing population and is central to reducing housing stress, homelessness and improving housing solutions […]

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RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY PRICES INCREASE

Land & Property Services assisted by the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency has released the House Price Index report for Quarter 1 2021.                       The Index measures change in the price of residential property sold in Northern Ireland (NI). The Index uses Stamp Duty information on residential property sales recorded by HMRC.  The NI House […]

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NEW CHAPTER AS LIBRARIES PREPARE FOR RE-OPENING – HARGEY

As libraries prepare to re-open from May 24, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey visited Libraries NI’s headquarters in Lisburn to see the services the community will be able to enjoy. The Minister said: “Libraries are a vital resource at the heart of our communities. They are a hub for the community from the youngest to our […]

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“Significant” Firearms Find Outside Newry

More than 10 firearms discovered in Jerretspass have been described as a “significant” cache of weapons by police. Officers made the discovery after a search operation in Jerrettspass in County Down. An NCA spokesperson said: “National Crime Agency officers, supported by colleagues from the PSNI, have today recovered a significant number of firearms following a search […]

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EXECUTIVE CONFIRMS RELAXATIONS TO RESTRICTIONS

Significant relaxations to the Covid-19 restrictions will come into effect from Monday 24 May, the Executive has confirmed today ( 20/02/21). Ministers said the easements will be immensely beneficial to families, communities and the economy, and urged everyone to stay safe as they enjoy more freedoms. First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I’m pleased that we are […]

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A MILLION VACCINES LATER…

Over a million people in Northern Ireland have now received their first COVID-19 vaccine dose. The milestone has been reached some five months after the very first COVID-19 vaccine jab was administered in Northern Ireland. It means that almost 70% of the adult population has now received their first dose. It also comes just days […]

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HARGEY ESTABLISHES CULTURE, ARTS & HERITAGE RECOVERY TASKFORCE

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey has established a Culture, Arts & Heritage Recovery Taskforce to consider measures to support re-opening and recovery in the short-term as they emerge from the pandemic and to pave the way for a longer term strategy for the culture, arts and heritage sectors.  Speaking after her first meeting with the Taskforce’s […]

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HOMELESSNESS ACTION PLAN FULLY FUNDED – MINISTER HARGEY

A £9million investment by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey will fully fund the Housing Executive’s Covid Reset Plan on homelessness this year. The Covid Reset Plan ‘The Way Home – Homelessness Response to Covid-19′ aims to build on the collaborative response which has been so effective to date during the pandemic to end homelessness together. It […]

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Key Bill Seeking Dail Representation for Northern MPs Passes 1st Stage in the Dáil

A key Bill which would allow MPs elected in the North of Ireland speaking rights in the Dáil passed 1st stage in the Dáil today. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD tabled the Bill. He stated; “The discussion on Irish Unity has gathered significant pace in recent years. Brexit has convinced many in the north that London […]

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PIP Time Limits Put Pressure on Claimants – Workers Party

The Workers Party has condemned an unannounced, but significant, change to the time limits for the completion of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims.  During the pandemic the Department for Communities extended the time allowed to complete a PIP application form from one month to 90 days. As of Monday of this week, and without warning  or […]

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Solidarity from Newry to Palestine – Saoradh Newry

Both are occupied lands one in Ireland and one thousands of miles away in Palestine. Both have suffered immensely under imperialist occupation over the decades . There’s a special bond between Palestine and Ireland, a connection that has lasted an eternity.  Scores of protesters gathered at The Quays shopping complex in Newry. Sainsburys was the […]

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WEIR OUTLINES PLANS FOR EXAMS AND ASSESSMENTS IN 2021/22

Education Minister, Peter Weir has announced a return to public examinations during the next academic year.  Young people will, however, have fewer examinations in 2022 and there will be significant reductions in assessment across the range of CCEA qualifications. Speaking in the Assembly, Peter Weir said: “I am pleased today to bring forward a clear plan […]